Does Preoperative Radiation Therapy Performed for Metastatic Spine Cancer at the Cervical Spine Increase Perioperative Complications of Anterior Cervical Surgery?

RT performed before surgery for MSC does not increase the risk of wound complication, mechanical failure, or vital structure injury during ACSS. The surgical procedural approach was not complicated by previous RT history. Therefore, surgeons can safely choose the anterior approach when the number of levels or location of MSC favors anterior surgery, and performing a posterior surgery is unnecessary due to a concern that previous RT may increase complication rates of ACSS.